Commuting to University via Train

samberzina

Hi

I am starting university in September and will have to commute from Norwich to Chelmsford one day a week as I am a part time student.

I am trying to calculate how much it will leave me out of pocket and the picture is quite grim - train tickets cost min. £35.00 return trip and that is only when bought in advance and if I avoid peak times, which, most likely won't happen - it is up to £60.00 return for peak times.

As a part time student, I cannot get a Railcard either, which, I think is a bit unfair.

I cannot split tickets either and don't drive.

Is there anything I have overlooked that might help me to save any money whatsoever?!
(I know, I should have thought about this when applying, but this was my closest university with my chosen subject unless I would have been prepared to relocate).

Thank you for any advice

martindow

samberzina wrote: »

As a part time student, I cannot get a Railcard either, which, I think is a bit unfair.

A 16-25 railcard is available to anyone - it can also be supplied to over 25s in full time education. If you are under 25, full or part time makes no difference.

http://www.16-25railcard.co.uk/

agrinnall

martindow wrote: »

A 16-25 railcard is available to anyone - it can also be supplied to over 25s in full time education. If you are under 25, full or part time makes no difference.

http://www.16-25railcard.co.uk/

You need to read the page you have linked to, over-25s must be studying for at least 15 hours a week, which sounds like it would exclude the OP.

A mature student?

To be eligible as a mature student and buy a 1-year Railcard, you will need:

• To be attending a recognised college or university, for over 15 hours a week, at least 20 weeks a year. Unfortunately, Open University, distance learning and part-time courses do not qualify.
• To have the mature student section of the 16-25 Railcard application form completed by your College or University.
• Have an NUS card or College/University photocard as proof of identity.

elverson

Advance tickets go on sale roughly 12 weeks in advance so although you might not get anything cheap for September, looking ahead there are some cheaper fares still available.

jbuchanangb

I don't think you've overlooked anything. You're getting a journey of about 90 miles in less than 90 minutes for £17.50 each way. There are cheaper tickets, but not at commuting times. I think as low as £8 each way.

Mif_2

I'm not sure why you can't split tickets, because during the peak return Norwich to Colchester is £29.30, with another £13.10 to get to Chelmsford. That's only valid for trains that stop at Colchester, but I'm pretty sure that's all of them.

jbuchanangb

Without knowing the exact times, hard to know which is best. The £17.50 advance single does offer some time slots which might suit the OP's travel needs. But if the requirement could not avoid peak times, or not able to plan in advance, the ticket split option at £42.40 would make sense.